Mangaluru: Over 15,000 devotees from various parts of Dakshina Kannada, Udupi, Kasargod and Kodagu districts will participate in Datta Mala campaign scheduled to commence on December 12 as part of Datta Jayanthi.

Informing this to reporters here, Sunil K R, South Regional Convenor of Bajrangdal said several programmes will be held at the Datta Peetha from December 20 to 22. A huge rally and public meeting will be held on December 21, he said adding devotees can see the Datta Paduka on December 22.

He said the Bajrangdal wants the appointment of a Hindu priest at Datta Peetha apart from a permanent CEO. “All Islam signs and symbols at the peetha must be removed,” he said adding the government must declare it as a holy shrine of Hindus and protect the same.